Grooming your Dog: Starting Pack

A properly groomed dog is a happy and handsome dog. Bathing a dog also helps to keep away common diseases and infections, which result from buildup of dirt. However, in order to ensure successful bathing and grooming of your dog, you will require the right equipment and essentials. These are to be used during each bathing session. Whether you own a rottweiler or even a German shepherd, here are some of the basic tools you will need to bathe your dog.

BRUSHES

Dogs have different types of coats and hairs. This is the reason why there is such a wide range of dog brushes in the market. Ensure that you choose a comb or brush, suitable for your dog’s hair. Additionally, you can purchase several of them, depending on the extent of your grooming.

The three main types of brushes are bristle, slicker, and wire-pin brushes. Bristle brushes are mainly preferred due to their versatility. They can comfortably work on different hair types from long to medium.

On the other hand, slicker brushes come with fine wire bristles. They are more effective on dogs with dense, thick undercoats.

COMBS

A comb is one of the most important tools, essential for effective grooming. They mainly help to untangle knotted hair. You can choose from fine-toothed, medium-toothed, wide-toothed, or even a combination of these.

If your dog has a silky, soft coat, then fine-toothed combs will be more effective. Wide-toothed combs are mainly used on canines with heavy coats as well as de-matting. Medium-toothed combs can be used on all types of dogs, regardless of the hair texture.

For the shorthaired breeds, rubber currycombs are the best. They help to remove dead hair from the skin while producing a massaging effect.

NAIL CLIPPERS

It is important to trim or cut dog’s nails to manageable sizes regularly. This helps to minimize scratching, which can destroy property or even lead to injuries. It is important to choose the right supplies best suited to your canine.

Claw-style trimmers are usually spring-loaded. They work in a scissor-like fashion. Guillotine trimmers come with a replaceable blade, cutting the nail, once the spring-loaded handle is depressed.

If you dogs have small and delicate nails, then you should purchase scissor-like trimmers. After trimming the nails, you should then finish-off with filling tools. These grind down the nails, producing a smooth edge.

DOG SHAMPOOS

Dog bathing is not complete without dog shampoos. Results will be more effective, if you choose the right type of shampoo. Ensure that you select soap-free shampoos, specifically formulated for dogs.

Some of the common shampoos in the market include tear-free shampoos, medicated shampoos, conditioners, and natural shampoos. Tear-free shampoos protect the eyes during bathing. Medicated shampoos are usually prescribed by vets for dogs with allergies.

Conditioners are mainly used during the bathing session to ensure that the dog’s coat remains moisturized, tangle-free, and shiny. Natural shampoos don’t contain chemicals and similar additives. Instead, they have herbs that improve the dog’s coat and skin.

EAR CARE

Build up of dirt and wax in the ears can lead to infections. It is therefore important to ensure the ears are clean at all times, to keep your dog disease-free and healthy. However, ear care and maintenance should be carried with utmost care. In fact, you should always consult a vet before proceeding.

Never use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Ear powder helps to clean the dog’s ear canal, especially for those with excess wax and hair. Ear cleansers clean and rinse the ear canal. Cotton pads and balls help to clean out debris from the ears, after cleanser application.

Dogs have different hair trimming and cutting needs. If your dog has short hair, shaving or clipping will not be necessary. Medium-hair dogs like Golden Retrievers may require shave downs occasionally. Dogs with fast-growth hair such as Shih Tzus and Poodles require frequent trimming.

Pet owners and dog groomers mainly use electric clippers, giving the dog a uniform and neat cut. If you are experienced, then you can finish off the work hair-cutting scissors to touch-up or trim long hair. Note that you should never cut mats out using scissors. It can lead to serious dog injuries. Instead, use special brushes and electric clippers.

Apart from the items listed above, you will need dryers especially if you live in cold climates, or if your dog has thick hair. Ensure that you seek advice from professional dog groomers, if you are not sure about the use of any product or equipment.